11th ANNUAL WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY FAIR 2004

Stall holders

An informative range of animal-welfare and animal-rights organisations and charities were present. These included Compassion in World Farming, Alliance for Animal Rights, Hunt Saboteurs, Seal Sanctuary, Cats’ Aid, Irish Anti-Vivisection Society and this year, the VSI was were delighted to welcome back the Vegan Society UK, in this their second year attending the Fair.

Each year, we reaffirm our belief that the Fair offers an important platform to Animal Rights, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian and Vegan organisations, to inform people of maltreatment and cruelty to animals, their organisations’ hard work and commitment, and to attract new members and financial support.

Groups with an interest in environmental issues were welcomed at the Fair also: Sonairte - the National Ecology Centre, Dublin Cycling Campaign, and the Vegetarian Cycling and Athletic Group UK, to include but a few.

Hearty meals were to be had! This year we were delighted to welcome Blazing Salads, Cornucopia, Govinda’s and the Cosy Café – the range and quality of hot and cold, sweet and savoury prepared foods was great. Add to this the Organic Food and Drinks section: Denis Healy’s fresh fruits and vegetables and the Dublin Food Co-op Food Stall.

Talks

A wide range of talks were scheduled for throughout the day. The schedule started with Praghosa from Govinda’s vegetarian restaurant who spoke about the basis for a vegetarian diet from cultural, philosophical, health, economic or moral viewpoints. Dr Stephen Walsh discussed plant based nutrition and health and how the correct food choices can open up the prospect of a longer and healthier life.

Other topics covered included ‘Organic Growing without Animal Products’, by Ita West and ‘Why and How to promote Veganism: Challenging Speciesism’ by ‘Rights for Animals’, a London-based information group. Spirituality and vegetarianism was discussed by the Ching Hai Irish Meditation Association and ‘Behind Closed Doors-The Reality of Factory Farming’ was discussed by Gerry Boland. The talks were topped off by a very well attended and successful Cookery demonstration given by Tracy Culleton.

The Grand Raffle

With regard to the ‘Grand Raffle’ of the day, we thank all our friends for their very generous donations: the Vegetarian/Vegan B&Bs and Hostelries around the country (Clady View B&B, Co Donegal, Cussens Cottage, Co. Limerick, The Phoenix Hostel, Co. Kerry and Greenlodge, Co. Cork. Also, thanks to Chrysalis Holistic Centre, Co. Wicklow, the Dublin Food Co-op and Easons. During the event, ‘Raffle Fever’ grows steadily, culminating a big crowd of eager punters gathering to hear winning ticket numbers and hoping to win a prize.

Sponsorship

Once again, we must also wholeheartedly thank the Sponsors who help so much by contributing to the running of the event: Down to Earth Health Store, Clayton Love Distribution, Munster Wholefoods, Wholefoods Wholesale, Nourish, Ecoshop and Klee Paper.

Volunteers

Last, but not least, many thanks to all the people who kindly volunteered their services coming up to the event and throughout the day itself, making jobs such as setting up the hall, the clean-up afterwards, raffle ticket sales and door-duty that bit easier. You know who you are and we are very grateful!

VSI Committee